“Red One” Aims for $30 Million Opening Weekend

Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans star in the holiday film Red One, which is generating significant buzz ahead of its release. As Amazon MGM Studios prepares for its debut, the film is projected to earn around $30 million during its opening weekend, positioning it as a prominent contender in the holiday box office landscape.

Box Office Expectations

As of Friday, Red One topped the domestic box office with nearly $11 million in ticket sales. However, the question remains whether it can maintain this momentum and reach its target of $30 million by the end of the weekend. Amazon anticipates that the film will perform better on Saturday and Sunday, despite facing competition from other entertainment options, like the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight available on Netflix, which drew attention away from moviegoers.

The film is being screened in 4,032 theaters across North America, including premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema. While critics have expressed mixed reviews about the action-adventure film, audiences have responded positively, awarding it an A- CinemaScore. Initially, Amazon intended to release the film directly on its Prime Video platform but opted for a theatrical release to support cinema operators.

The Movie’s Concept and Production

Red One is the first major Christmas movie to hit theaters since the pandemic and follows a unique storyline: Santa Claus, codenamed “Red One,” is kidnapped, prompting the North Pole’s head of security—played by Dwayne Johnson—to team up with a notorious bounty hunter, played by Chris Evans. The film combines action and holiday spirit, aiming to become a classic for years to come.

Directed by Jake Kasdan, the film features a star-studded cast, including Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, and J.K. Simmons. With a hefty production budget of $250 million, Red One’s financial performance will be closely monitored. Amazon’s business model, which relies on subscription revenue rather than solely box office earnings, allows it to approach this investment differently than traditional studios.

Market Context and Future Releases

The release of Red One comes at a time when the box office has been struggling due to a lack of new content. It is part of a series of high-profile releases slated for the holiday season, including Wicked and Gladiator II, both debuting on November 22, followed by Disney’s Moana 2 on November 27. These upcoming films are expected to draw significant audiences, making this an essential period for box office recovery.

If Red One falls short of its $30 million goal, it may be seen as a disappointment. However, Amazon remains optimistic that the film will have legs at the box office throughout the holiday season, potentially solidifying its place as a holiday favorite.

For further details on this film and its box office journey, visit the original article on The Hollywood Reporter: Red One Box Office Battling for $30M Opening.